2009-2010 Comprehensive District Improvement Plan - Jefferson ...

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2009-10 COMPREHENSIVE DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Organizations work best when they have a clear vision of where they are going and a defined
set of goals and strategies that will get them there. Over the past year, the superintendent has
worked closely with his leadership team to deepen each person’s understanding of and
commitment to the mission of the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and to map out a
strategic action plan—often referred to as a Comprehensive District Improvement Plan
(CDIP)—that would accomplish that mission. This discussion extended for many hours
throughout the year and was facilitated by a consultant recommended by Harvard University
and the Wallace Foundation.
The foundation of this work rests in the four goals established by the Board of Education. These
goals speak to the district’s major groups of constituents, elucidate the essential outcomes
sought for students, and clarify the overriding responsibility of district employees.
• All JCPS students will become critical thinkers and lifelong learners who are academically
prepared in a racially integrated environment to be successful in the post-secondary
education programs or careers of their choice.
• All JCPS students will be safe, supported, respected, and confident in racially integrated
schools, classrooms, and student activities.
• All JCPS parents and community members will be urged and welcomed to actively
participate in the education of our students.
• All JCPS employees will contribute to and be accountable for the success of our students
through higher levels of performance in supportive work environments.
The conversation for 2009-10 began with a reaffirmation of the Core Beliefs—those guiding
principles by which district employees carry out their day-to-day responsibilities—and of the
four District Goals that were developed two years ago. Simply stated, these four goals are to
enhance effective teaching, enhance effective leadership, strengthen organizational culture, and
improve organizational effectiveness.
It should be noted that District Goals are designed to support and reinforce, not replace, the
Board Goals. Board Goals evolved from a long, intensive, and thoughtful process that involved
the Board members meeting in focus groups with their constituents. Board Goals represent the
thinking and priorities of the community, are intentionally broad in scope, and are expected to
stand the test of time by maintaining their relevance over many years.
Administrative (or District) Goals spring from the short-term (three to five years) priorities of
the district’s leadership team. They form the basis of each year’s Strategic Action Plan and are
subject to modification as specific objectives are achieved. District Goals represent the primary
pathways to the district’s earning recognition as one of the pre-eminent metropolitan school
systems in the nation.
DRAFT 11-17-09
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